Every now and then an album comes along that really says something. An album that examines the spaces between the lines and creates a reverie of sounds that allows you to let go of isolation and emotional pain. I have found this recording in Live It On The Outside by the Folk-Rock Artist Elizabeth May. Recorded in 2006 and released in 2010, this album sat on the shelf waiting to be finished. After I heard the rough mixes I decided to take on this project and add a few tweaks instrumentally and remix the tracks with some punch. During the mixing process an engineer or producer listens for placement and overall consistency of the sound. It is mainly a technical focus that allows the best sound to emerge. It was when the project was finished and I sat back to absorb the album as a true listener does, the message of this album came into play.
All of us, at one time or another, have gone through emotional traumas over relationships. Level headed people have learned that how you react to a situation is how it affects you. However, some people go through their lives hurting others without any consideration or understanding of the ramifications of their actions. Their egos have blinded them to the fact that we are all connected in one way or another. We have all reached for the words to express these deeply reactive emotions but have had a hard time expressing them. This album has found a way by cutting to the chase in dealing with the feelings we have, perhaps, all experienced.
From the rock driven Fuel For The Fire, Elizabeth May delivers a powerful and poignant analysis of a person who only thinks about himself. A person who justifies his every action based on his own egotistical needs. The same fuel that fires the love a couple shares is the same fuel that fires the feelings of discontent. In You Name The Place, Elizabeth May sashays her vocals with the growls of desire for a fictitious television character; the passion that all of us have felt at various times in our lives. Next comes The Risk That You Ran; a story about relieving angst by paying attention to cues from the other person in a relationship. Heading For A Fall speaks to the eternal love triangle with swelling strings and acoustic guitar. People who don't practice what they preach should listen to Fool's Gold; it speaks of those who think they are better than others because they are so enlightened.
People who are fear-based in their relationships and find it too hard to move forward should here the message in Fade To Black. Belle Of The Ball is about the manipulative female who will do whatever she can to get what she wants. Have you ever had a friend who is just smitten with someone? Done All I CanThe Ocean Of Love And Mercy is a metaphor about those on a spiritual path in seeking the truth of reality. Ever felt where you are now is not where your true home is? Back to Somewhere speaks to the fantasy and reality of where you are. Elizabeth May shouts a tribute to Travis Tritt in Live It On The Outside; a song about what you are experiencing within is what you'll experience without. The album finishes up with Waiting For The Love of His Life; a song about missing the right person for you because you were always looking for the perfect person who doesn't exist. relays the folly of seeing what you want to see.
A good album relays a relatable experience. It pulls you in and allows you to feel the feelings of joy and pain, triumph and defeat and most of all, it creates pleasing and meaningful sounds. Live It On The Outside is one of those albums. I am thankful and pleased to have been involved in its production and release. You can hear samples at http://www.elizabethmaymusic.com. Enjoy the ride!
